SH House by Hiroshi Nakamura
The SH House by Hiroshi Nakamura in Tokyo, Japan, represents a profound exploration of spatial innovation and intimate architectural experiences within the constraints of urban living.
Nakamura's architectural narrative began in 2005, shortly after his independent venture into the architectural realm, taking on the challenge of a compact urban site with formidable constraints. His solution, a testament to creative resilience, reimagines the possibilities of light, space, and human interaction within the confines of a small dwelling.
Nakamura's challenge was multifaceted: to introduce sunlight into a densely surrounded site while preserving privacy from the prying eyes of neighboring structures. The ingenious introduction of a light well with a skylight, eschewing traditional windows on the compromised street side, demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of light as both a functional and atmospheric element. This design decision not only resolves the issue of privacy but transforms light into a sculptural element, cascading down to the basement level, invigorating the house's interior with a soft, ethereal glow.
The architectural gesture of rounding out the living room wall to a 59.5% floor area ratio, while adhering to statutory limitations, is a strategic manipulation of spatial perception. This curvilinear form disrupts conventional architectural geometries, inviting an unlimited sense of depth and expansion beyond the physical confines of the space. The gradation in the wall's depth and height encourages a dynamic interaction between the occupants and the architectural form, suggesting a living environment that evolves with use, adapting to the diverse needs of adults and children alike. This approach to design is reflective of Nakamura's philosophy of architecture as an interactive, living entity, capable of nurturing an intimate relationship with its inhabitants.
"The hollow embraces; softy and gently, like a kangaroo’s pouch. It embraces the light from the top and glows in the early morning, in the midst of the day. The reflected light enters each room with varied expressions giving characters to each space. Sitting in it and lying in it, the dwellers hopefully form an affectionate relationship with the hollow, like exchanging bodily conversations. This is the ‘intimacy’ I hope to create between architecture and people.” — Hiroshi Nakamura
The hollow, likened to a kangaroo's pouch, symbolizes a sanctuary of warmth and comfort, embracing the light and the residents in a gentle, protective manner. This architectural embrace is not merely physical but emotional, fostering a bond between the structure and its dwellers. The varied expressions of light within each room imbue the space with character, transforming mundane activities into moments of affectionate exchange with the architecture itself.
Nakamura's SH House stands as a compelling narrative of architectural innovation, challenging conventional notions of space, privacy, and interaction within the urban fabric. It is a celebration of the intimate dialogues between light, form, and human experience, offering a visionary blueprint for living spaces that are not only functional but deeply resonant with the lives they encapsulate. The project underscores the potential of architectural practice to transcend mere construction, achieving a harmonious blend of aesthetic, spatial, and emotional dimensions that enrich the human experience.
Photography: Daici Ano
Text: Hitoshi Arato